American Samoa gets fibre optic link with Hawaii

American Samoa has launched its new undersea fiber optic cable that connects American Samoa, Samoa and Hawaii.

The about 500 guests at the launch saw a doctor from Honolulu demonstrate how x-ray images and CT scans of patients can be beamed to the hospital in American Samoa.

The Governor, Togiola Tulafono, says the fiber optic cable holds much promise for the territory.

"This is a tool that can become a main driver of our economic progress. It can not only create new industries, it can also affect efficiencies and synergies in existing industries and in our government and also in our public and private services."

Togiola Tulafono says a competent workforce is needed to maximise the technology's benefits.